Local student shoots film at Herald offices

Project is an East Meadow collaboration

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East Meadow students and their parents probably all recognize Max Hechtman. He was the one at nearly every East Meadow High School event in recent years, equipped with a video camera, filming the action.

Hechtman, 18, graduated from East Meadow High last spring, and will be attending the film and media program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City this fall.

While his personal YouTube channel comprises hundreds of videos of East Meadow events, Hechtman’s friends and family advised him to branch out in his videography, and create a short film to prepare him for the rigors of film school.

With the help of several East Meadow High School students, Hechtman did just that. And that’s why, on Aug. 20, he could be found inside the offices of the Long Island Herald, in Garden City, filming a scene for his yet-to-be-titled project.

Acting as camera operator and editor, Hechtman, with director Chris Tsalikas, and actors Lucas Iverson and Jimmy Gratta, occupied two cubicles for the day to film the scene. The film’s main character — played by Iverson — is a journalist.

Max’s mother, Meryl Hechtman, who served as executive producer, explained that the film is a mix of romance and fantasy. The story idea was conceived by Max and Tsalikas, and the screenplay was written by Alana Reilly and Michelle Williams. It was edited by Miscelleana Rhinehart.

Other actors included Max De George, Dylan Libby, Ariana Osmanzai and Rachel Steiner. Music for the film was scored by David LoNigro.

The crew also filmed at other locations in the local community, including the newly opened Meadowlands Sports Bar and Restaurant on Hempstead Turnpike.

During a short break from filming, Max explained to this reporter why he loves film so much. “It makes me feel like I’m able to bring stories to life, so it feels like you’re there,” he said. “It gives perspectives they’ve never seen before.”